Parenthood and school sometimes a struggle

After reading the recent article in the Herald about the student mother (“A delicate balance,” Oct. 22), I became inspired to say a few things on behalf of student mothers and fathers everywhere.

We are accomplishing an amazing feat in continuing our education. We defy the odds every day and yet we rarely receive recognition. I may be late to class many mornings … but did it ever occur to anyone what it took me to get there. Most mornings I struggle to get out of bed after staying up half the night doing laundry for a 2-year-old that’s potty-training. Then, I wake up my daughter . dress her and feed her . all the time watching the clock. I hurry and throw on whatever looks clean and begin to search for books and pens that have been scattered all over the house by little hands.

When I finally make it out the door with two backpacks, jackets and a blanket my daughter can’t live without, I drive an hour to Bowling Green from White House, Tenn., and drop her off at day care.

Make no mistake, I’m not complaining. I love my daughter more than life . I chose this path in life and I take responsibility for my choices. In reality everyone should follow the “go to college, stay single, get a job, develop a career, marry when you’re 30 and have kids two years later” plan, but we all don’t.

. I feel that I am becoming more prepared for the world by pushing myself everyday to fulfill the many roles I’ve created for myself. I will graduate in May, one year later than I planned, but I will graduate.

I know that because I continued my education,my daughter will have a better life. There will be a car when she’s 16, a prom dress, class rings, senior pictures and college . I do this not only for me but for my child.

So, to all the student parents out there, don’t give up. . when you hear your name called that fateful day, smile and know that you have not only earned a degree but you’ve defeated obstacles that most would run from.

More importantly you have set an admirable example for your children, children who will become the next generation.

Bethany Davis

Senior from White House, Tenn.